The Haunting of Rachel Harroway Boxset - A Gripping Paranormal Mystery

Too many adjectives to describe mundane things, which detracts from story. Too many conflicting descriptions that made me want to edit the story i.e., Tires "screeching" on black ice, (not possible on ice), an abyss, but filled with snow capped trees...I really wanted to like the books, but maybe it is just me. Read a sample for yourself.

An interesting read that kept my attention throughout. This was a unique take on supernatural murder investigations. I hope there will be more from Rachel and Peck in the future. Any supernatural mystery reader should consider this series.

Someone get the author a spell checker. Random bits of sentences appear wherever. There is no need to give the exact same description of people and places EVERY time they appear in the story! Protagonist is very changeable, One day she's a jaded cop the next she hides from her own shadow and whines a lot. Really this author and story stinks like roadkill in July.

I purchased all 6 books for .99, but knowing how good the books are now, I’d pay $99!! Fast paced, entertaining, but most of all creepy! I love re-reading books, and this box set will be at the top of my list!

I truly enjoyed the story line and the usage of your descriptive words. I felt the characters were dynamic. I am big fan of paranormal stories. Looking forward to the next story. Thank you it was a great ride.

I don't normally read books about paranormal stuff, but reading the description I figured I would give it a try. Besides, it was free. The story line was good, but it is so full of misspellings, extra words in sentences, missing words in sentences, and just plain terrible grammar that at times it was hard to read. I don't like to have to read a line four times before it makes sense. I had to do that far too many times. This writer really needs to find an editor. I gave it only three stars because of how poorly it is written, not because of story content.

I absolutely loved reading this. You might want to put an addiction warning at the front though. It would have been perfect except once I finished reading it there were no more books with my new favorite crime fighting duo, and nothing else looks good?

What I like most about this series is the premise of a young female detective who has given up the usual life of husband and kids to deal with her psychic abilities which she has inherited without asking from her mother. Beset by a steady stream of ghostly haranguers, the heroin in these books uses her ghostly visitors to solve crimes and bring justice. What I like very best, is the scenes in which the dead attempt communication with various outlandish, comical, and creepy antics, not even realizing that they are being creepy. It reminded me very much of Dean Koontz's scenes of his post-grave people. Yes, I might be saying that this writer copped a style from Dean Koontz, but ...so what!, she pulled it off.

That said, I think this writer needs help with some things. I'm not talking about typos, run-on-sentences or even not making sense. I didn't see any of that. In my humble opinion I think she went too far with the sad state of the first "orphans" in her book. It ruined the whole thing for me. I wanted more time with what was going on Rachel, and what I kept getting was more information about how horrible life had been for these ghosts...when I had already gotten that message pretty clearly. I think it didn't need to be dwelt on like that so much all at once. It didn't need to be "over the top" because the premise of the book is good enough in itself. There aren't to many psychic detectives out there.

One thing, though, I did notice twice that some of the steps taken which are legal or not legal for a detective (and when and why there can be exceptions) should be double-checked before putting them in this kind of book, because lots of mystery readers are really up on all the laws.

Ok, so I admit it, I did not read past part of the first book, but the first part of the book needs to draw the reader into it, not the reverse.

While the story line has potential, I couldn't even finish the first chapter. I read a lot, and I cannot tolerate books that contain numerous grammatical errors, wrong words, spelling errors and have been very poorly edited, if edited at all. I found many such examples before I even got halfway through the first chapter. If the author had a copy editor - I'd suggest finding someone else next time.
Susan M

It felt rushed in the end and also disjointed in places. I can't start a book and then not finish it so i slogged through it and there were alot of instances where she copied a paragraph word for word a few times and that to me is just laziness, not sure I'd be willing to read any more of this authors books. This will not have verified purchase because i subscribe to kindle unlimited

The book was good, I really enjoyed it, BUT the amount of misspellings were absolutely soul tormenting. There must be at least one to two hundred throughout the book. That is beyond unacceptable. And the mention of Peak's dark eyes or coal black eyes, over and over and over was so redundant and annoying. If you need someone to proofread your books, please let me know. How so many mistakes got through to the final product, I'll never understand. Again, good story, very enjoyable, but needs serious corrections.

I didn’t even make it past the first chapter. Terrible writing. First description of the mans wife is “fluffy wife.” What the heck does that even mean? This was coated in so many adjectives, it was overly descriptive. I never knew that was a thing until now. The writing feels juvenile, incomplete, and forced. Don’t waste your time, even if, like me, you were able to read it for free. Not. Worth. It.

Please disregard the star rating! the store says I must leave one. I feel bad about it since I didn't come close to finishing because of what I feel must be an editing problem.

DNF I am leaving this review here so maybe the problem can be fixed! In the second chapter the author uses the name Rachel in several sentences. The name Eveyn in several more. The names are used almost interchangeably. It's weird because we are introduced to Rachel with no mention of a character named Eveyln. Quite frankly it's distracting. I can't figure if Rachel is Eveyln. At any rate after going back and rereading I still couldn't figure out where this Eveyln came from so I am going to call it a day and return the box set.

As I have said before, these books are terrific. Superbly written. I want more! However, the abysmal transcribers have made so many spelling and grammar errors that it detracts from the quality of these books. Also, the books have been chopped up into portions of the stories masquerading as books on their own. This is not nice! Also lacking in niceness is the fact that J.S. Donovan doesn't seem to exist. I could not find a website or email address even though s/he clearly states to email him/her if anything troubles you.

So, in conclusion, great books but lots of "technical" problems!

I live near Highlands NC. This series got the geographic and street names right but little else. For example, the Nantahala Forest is a national forest - i.e. federal land; there are no private estates in it. The main character is supposed to be a police detective, but apparently has never taken a basic self-defense class much less completed police academy training. The serial killers in these books seem to have no underlying reason for their specific victimology and no trigger events. The story needs to make sense, so that the paranormal elements support the plot, rather than being the main focus with the crimes being mere set dressing. And I got extremely annoyed that at least once a chapter the character had to whine that she "was not twenty any more". Really? Does the author think that 40-year-old women are incompetent and over the hill? As has been mentioned in most of the other reviews, this series needed a good copy editor.

I loved the story but my enjoyment was severely curtailed by the numerous typos, errors and grammatical mistakes. Who is Evelyn??? Is that supposed to say Rachel? Why does that name appear several times? J.S. - fire your editor NOW!!!

While I enjoyed the storyline, l have some serious complaints with the truly pitiful editing! In addition, the grammar, double negatives, and misused words about drove me nuts! By the time I’d finished the last story, I was about to give up, which seems a shame as the author has some serious talent.

Started unique and interesting. Quickly dissolved into a word mess. I downloaded this for my Audible. After a while I was ready to scream. The town was too small to have that much crime. The crimes we're horrific. Children? We know horrible things can happen to kids. It's not entertainment to read or listen to this.

Loved the dead that came back that only Rachel could see so that she could help them get justice. The characters were interesting and realistic. The tie in with the little girl she takes in will lead to many more adventures I hope.

It would have been very hard to read these books individually because I wanted to get to the next one immediately so I'm thankful I got to read this series as a box set. I want to read more about Rachel and her partner and was sad that I finished the series.

I hope that there is a continuation of this storyline. Rachel and Jensen are prime for a love story of their own. This series kept me up at night with the many twist and turns of Rachel’s Gift. Shocking revaluations at a time when you least expected them.

I truly loved Donovan 's books. The plots are engrossing and the characters are extremely interesting and engaging. The calibre of the books deserves much better editing than they were given. I gave these books 5 stars because the stories Donovan presented were very good and just decided to ignore the rest.

I truly loved these stories. They kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't stop reading. I have had very little sleep the last two nights lol. I was born and raised in Aiken county, SC, I lived in Spartanburg for a short time and I now live in the Application Mountains just outside of Johnson City, Tennessee. I was hooked and along for the ride. Great read!

Having only recently started reading indie writer's works I am becoming a great fan. Heretofore a King, Koontz at all reader these indie novels are easy reads and, yes, real page turners! Interesting character studies and well woven plots are well worth my time. Enjoy!

But not for those with weak stomachs. Very few cuss words. No sex scenes. Basically a clean read. A lot of gory details and dead people. I enjoyed reading each book in this set. Fast paced and edge of seat action.

I love Rachel, Peak, and Mallory. Their interactions with each other are witty and fun. There seems to be no true police procedures, such as obtaining search warrants, followed but the setting of a small town makes that somewhat plausible. The idea that there are "Orphans" is very intriguing and thought provoking. I love the whole series and will happily read everything this author writes.

I don’t normally read current day or murder but this was really good! Storylines follow well and wrap up neatly. Events are as believable as can be expected given the circumstances. Enjoyed it! But the grammatical errors are distracting. Needs an edit.

I have now finished several books in this series and am officially addicted. Each story has an exciting, fresh plot. The author has a definite talent for creating vivid characters and settings. I am proceeding on to the next book in this series and anticipate another good read. I encourage anyone seeking a fresh, entertaining, paranormal mystery to try this series on for a fit.

This set has all the things that a paranormal enthusiast would want. It has shadows and secrets that do not reveal themselves til the very end. I would recommend this series to my friends who binge on all the ghost shows on Prime video and Netflix.

I greatly enjoy the Rachel Harroway books. They are well written and fast faced. However, the author could do herself a favor and find a much better editor. The poor proofreading done almost made me drop a star in my review.

So glad I offered the set! Having the next book to go to was great. Donovan combines personalities with a paranormal twist. Having the entire set leaves the reader satisfied! Can go unclench my fists now.?

Riveting page turner. Loved the way the main character dealt with her gift. Rachel was a well drawn character who I was rooting for from page one. Love to find a new author. J.S. Donovan is an author I want to read more of her work.

I love this series. The problem is that they put the box set in the wrong order. The Lost Orphans is first and it really should be The Haunting of Rachel Harroway. So if you read this set start in the middle to end then front to middle.

For a lover of the paranormal, this is an awesome story line. I am in love with the characters.
Very well written, and believable. I have read the first three books so far and can not wait to read more!
The only negative thing I have to say has nothing to do with the writer, or the story, but instead with the proofreading/editing.

I really enjoyed these books! I love the character and her Gift. If they were in the order they happened and had fewer typos and gaps in the story occasionally...AWESOME! I would definitely like to read more of this authors work!

By far the BEST author I've come cross in a long time!! I love how each book connected to the very first!! I'm going to reread these books and download more from this author!! KEEP THE BOOKS COMING!!!!